Angela'S Tortellini Salad *
A vibrant and cheesy tortellini salad packed with fresh vegetables, olives, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or picnics with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced scallions, black olives, and sliced Provolone cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Season to taste with additional salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier salad, consider adding diced grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. If you're short on time, store-bought balsamic vinaigrette can be used instead of making your own. Fresh basil or parsley can be a great herb substitution to add freshness. This salad is versatile; feel free to mix in other ingredients like artichoke hearts or bell peppers to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This tortellini salad is perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish at a barbecue. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or even a slice of pizza, such as Adam's Pizza Pockets. You can also serve it alongside a fresh baguette or as part of a larger Italian spread. Garnishing with fresh herbs adds a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and improve over time. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a skillet on low heat, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge. Just be cautious with the olives and cheese, as they might alter in texture when reheated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Angela'S Tortellini Salad * contains roughly 488 calories, with 28g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 782mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients. It's best consumed within 3 days for optimal taste and texture.
What can I substitute for cheese tortellini?
If you can't find cheese tortellini, you can use spinach or whole wheat tortellini for a healthier option. Alternatively, any small pasta shape like farfalle or penne will work well, although the texture will differ slightly.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this tortellini salad is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great choice for meatless occasions. If you're looking for more vegetarian recipes, consider adding roasted vegetables or chickpeas for additional protein and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).